Second Photo: William Jacintho, president of the Maui Cattlemen's Association, releases about 50 Madagascan fireweed caterpillars held in a plastic container Thursday afternoon at Haleakala Ranch. The containers, brought by state Department of Agriculture officials from Oahu, contained about 2,500 fireweed moths and larvae, which were distributed to about a dozen farmers and ranchers. The release of the moth is part of a bio-control program to rid Maui pastures of the invasive fireweed that is harmful to livestock.

William Jacintho, president of the Maui Cattlemen’s Association, releases about 50 Madagascan fireweed caterpillars held in a plastic container Thursday afternoon at Haleakala Ranch. The Maui News / CHRIS SUGIDONO photo